BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Immigration and National Registration Department (INRD) has conducted three enforcement operations, codenamed ‘Operasi Panyap,’ targeting various locations in Brunei Darussalam to ensure compliance with the Immigration Act and related regulations, including the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 230, and the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act, Chapter 229.
The operations resulted in multiple arrests of foreign nationals suspected of violating immigration laws.
‘Operasi Panyap 27/2025’ – Mukim Kilanas
Authorities inspected several rental houses and rooms in Mukim Kilanas, where 13 foreign nationals were checked. Of these, 10 individuals were detained for further investigation.
Eight individuals were found violating Regulation 9(4) of the Immigration Regulations, Chapter 17, for working under a visit pass, and Section 15(1) of the Immigration Act, Chapter 17, for overstaying after their immigration passes had expired.
Two individuals were suspected of breaching Regulation 35(1) of the Immigration Regulations, Chapter 17, for abetting immigration offences and failing to present original documentation.
‘Operasi Panyap 28/2025’ – Mukim Kuala Belait
At a residential renovation project in Mukim Kuala Belait, four foreign nationals were detained for failing to present valid documents. Additionally, two of them were suspected of working for an employer other than their registered sponsor, a violation under Regulation 15(2) of the Immigration Regulations, Chapter 17.
‘Operasi Panyap 29/2025’ – Mukim Kianggeh and Mukim Gadong ‘A’
Enforcement officers raided food and beverage stalls in Mukim Kianggeh and Mukim Gadong ‘A’, where two foreign nationals were found working under visit passes in violation of Regulation 9(4) of the Immigration Regulations, Chapter 17. They were taken to the Law Enforcement Division for further investigation.
JIPK has reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws and welcomes public cooperation in reporting immigration offences. Members of the public can provide information by contacting the INRD Hotline at 8734888/ 8753888 (Bandar Seri Begawan) or 8984111 (Kuala Belait). - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
